Ministers statements: veterans support
Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Employment, Minister for Youth) (14:33): I rise today to highlight how important it is to support our veterans. Serving in the defence forces is an act of bravery and sacrifice, but it can leave lasting effects and many veterans return home with significant physical and mental impacts as a result of their service. That is why the Department of Veterans’ Affairs is so important. It is a frontline service that ensures veterans get the help that they need when they lodge their compensation claims, which can be life saving. In 2022 there was a backlog of 42,000 claims due to outsourcing and cuts to the public service. We know that veterans were sometimes waiting for many years to have their claims processed. It took a Labor government in Canberra and 500 extra DVA staff to finally clear that backlog. Veterans, who have just been through a royal commission, on the eve of Anzac Day are distressed to hear that Senator Hume and the Liberal Party want to cut those DVA staff again. This would wind back the clock and take us back to those dark days that cast a shadow over our veteran community. The mask is off and the Victorians Liberals have been silent on this issue, but on this side of the house we will not stay silent while the Liberals cut essential public service jobs and while the Leader of the Opposition waits for his next –
Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, I think the minister is abusing your ruling. I would ask you to ask the minister to stop attacking the opposition during her ministers statement.
The SPEAKER: I ask the minister to refer to matters that are in the public domain only.
Natalie SULEYMAN: What I can say is that as the Leader of the Opposition waits for the next policy announcement, whether it is coming from Queensland or whether it is coming from Washington, we will keep investing in our frontline services and our veterans.
Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, I believe the minister was reading a speech.
The SPEAKER: Was the minister reading her speech?
Natalie SULEYMAN: No, I was referring to notes.